Radio presenter apologises over 'diabolical' Robin Williams comments

TalkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil is criticised for saying he had no sympathy
for Robin Williams in the wake of his death

The presenter made the comments a day after the actor and comedian was fond dead in a suspected suicidePhoto: Andrew Crowley/The Telegraph

By Agency

6:26PM BST 12 Aug 2014

Radio station talkSPORT has apologised after presenter Alan Brazil courted controversy on the airwaves when discussing the death of actor Robin Williams.

Speaking on his Sports Breakfast show this morning, Brazil said he had no sympathy for Williams, calling the situation he left behind for his family ''diabolical'' and that he was ''really annoyed'' about it.

His comments drew widespread criticism, with listeners saying his views showed ''ignorance'' and insulted people who suffered from depression.

Fellow talkSPORT presenter Stan Collymore, who has had depression himself, admonished Brazil, tweeting: ''You're not a doctor, Alan Brazil, so your opinion on mental health issues counts for nothing to be fair.''

He added: ''An opinion on a factual illness isn't an opinion. It's called ignorance. I can have an opinion that the world is flat.''

But Brazil hit back, saying: ''Well done Stan Collymore for retweeting comments about me. I stand by what I said today. The sympathy I do have is for RW's family & friends.''

Discussing Williams' death with co-presenter Brian Moore, Brazil said he first thought it was singer Robbie Williams who had died when his wife told him the news this morning.

But when she told him it was the actor Robin Williams, he said he thought, ''Oh, okay. It didn't hit me hard like if it had have been Robbie, and thank god it wasn't.''

Moore tried to steer the conversation into a more appropriate perspective, saying: ''Suicide is never an easy matter for all concerned, it leaves a horrible thing in the wake'', later talking about how serious depression is and how indiscriminate it is in terms of who suffers with it.

Moore even told him that one of his relatives had died in the same way and that it left people wondering if they could have done more to help, but Brazil but would not be reasoned with.

He said: ''I believe he's got a daughter as well, what's she feeling like this morning? Now she's got to sort the arrangements out. I think it's just shocking, I really do. I don't have a lot of sympathy, I'm sorry.''

When Moore told him that view was ''harsh'', he replied: ''Well maybe, but that's the way I feel, I am sorry.''

He added: ''What you leave behind I think is diabolical, I am really annoyed about that.''

Listeners called for an apology, with some demanding for talkSPORT to sack the presenter.

Jon gaunt tweeted: ''Alan you need education mate. This is a dreadful illness that can affect anyone. Please just say sorry'', while Ollie Davis added: ''You are a disgrace Alan. Keep your idiotic comments to yourself. I hope TalkSport do the right thing and get rid!''

And Johnny Messias said: ''Free speech is to be treasured, Alan Brazil, but to say you have no sympathy for someone suffering with depression displays your ignorance.''

TalkSPORT apologised for any upset caused by Brazil's comments but refused to be drawn on whether he could be disciplined or sacked.

A spokeswoman said: ''TalkSPORT apologises for any offence caused. Alan's comments do not reflect the views of the station.''